by James Dalton
Yesterday was Epiphany in which we celebrate the in-breaking of God into human history through the life of Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity we celebrate the discovery of Jesus by the Magi. In some Eastern Christian traditions Epiphany is the celebration of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River. As I thought about the meaning of Epiphany through the story of the Magi's I found it odd to whom God decided to reveal the birth of Jesus. It would seem logical that God would choose to deliver this discovery to the religious leaders or maybe even some devout person who has dedicated their life to prayer and to the study of the religious texts. Instead we are told that God chose the Magi.
As a children I was taught that the Magi were "three wise men" of seemingly well to-do stature and knowledge. Who after riding a few days on camel arrived at the "lowly manager". Upon presentation of their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh they broke out into a melodic rendition of "We Three Kings." (And if you've always wondered what myrrh was, it is an incense or oil that was typically used in burial rituals. Great birthday gift, huh?) After doing a little research I found that this description might not be entirely accurate. According to some the Magi were a Priestly caste from Zoroastrianism, a religion based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster, who were said to have the ability to read the stars and the fate that they foretold.
"So what? Does it really change anything?" some might say. In regards to the life and divinity of Jesus? Not so much. But it does, at least for me, change how I view God. Many of us have grown up in or have been exposed to churches that maintain a belief that God only reveals truth to an elect few. Some have been told that God only chooses those who are are of up-right stature, who go to church every Sunday, who have read the Bible cover-to-cover, or who can quote the ABC's of Salvation. These, of course, are God's favorites and to whom truth would be revealed, right? This doesn't really add up when you consider God's decision to announce Jesus birth to the Magi.
On the first day of Jesus' birth we are shown that God is doing something new and different. Instead of revealing the birth of Jesus to the Pharisees or Sadducees, God chose outsiders. God chose a group of astrologists from a neighboring religion, whose testimony of the event would not have meant much to the temple leaders and religious leaders. God chose a group of people who would not have been allowed into the temple because of who they were. From the very beginning of Jesus' life God was announcing that though the doors to the Kingdom had been made narrow allowing only a few to pass through, Jesus had come to break open the gates. Jesus had come to preach good news to the poor,to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. God was not only announcing the birth of Jesus but the beginning of a new way. God was announcing that although you were formerly outsiders you are now accepted. This, for me, was my Epiphany. What was yours?
James Dalton is the Communications / Technology Coordinator at Reconciling Ministries Network. He is currently finishing his Masters in Social Justice from Loyola University Chicago's Institute of Pastoral Studies. He has Bachelors in Photography from Columbia College Chicago.
Reconciling Ministries Network mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.
